Why does my Apple wired keyboard with numeric keypad (USB) no longer work, since I updated to OSX 12.3.1 (21E258)?

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Why does my Apple wired keyboard with numeric keypad (USB) no longer work, since I updated to OSX 12.3.1 (21E258)?

I have an Apple wired keyboard with numeric keypad (USB), and a MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020, Four Thunderbolt 3 ports) which I updated to OSX 12.3.1 (21E258).

The USB keyboard no longer functions or responds when plugged into my MacBook Pro; none of the keys respond, none of the USB peripherals attached to either of the USB ports on the keyboard receive any power.

I ran System Profiler and the USB 3.1 Bus does not detect the USB keyboard. I checked the same USB port with a thumb-drive and it detected it fine (SDDR-113).

I then tested the keyboard on a computer running Ubuntu Linux, and another computer running Windows 10. The keyboard and attached USB devices worked perfectly (mouse and thumb-drive).

Therefore, it's a software problem. More specifically, a software bug which must have been introduced with OSX 12.3.1 as this issue did not exist before the upgrade.

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 12.3

Posted on May 6, 2022 3:23 AM

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Answer 1

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mrdominic Author

Level 1

12 points

May 12, 2022 1:59 AM in response to Allan Jones

Tangentially, "Very old boards may too old to be supported by the newest macOS versions" is a somewhat bizarre position for one of the oldest, and relatively basic, forms of input devices.

As a cynic, it's hard to not consider this a form of planned/forced obsolescence. Alternatively, it could just be really sloppy/lazy quality assurance processes within Apple.

Either way, how do I resolve this issue?

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Answer 2

Allan Jones

Level 9

72,134 points

May 7, 2022 10:47 AM in response to mrdominic

I have an I have an Apple wired keyboard with numeric keypad (USB),

What exact model? I count four boards between 1998 and the present that match that description. Very old boards may too old to be supported by the newest macOS versions.

Flip the board upside-down and look for tiny gray printing with a magnifier. The model designator starts with M (the two oldest versions) or A.

The four wired USB boards with numpad have these model numbers (and their intro dates):

M2452 (1998)

M7803 (2000)

A1048 (2003)

A1243 (2007)

To give an idea of the size issue, this is the model number mark on one of our A1048 boards:

I measured the letter height—it is about 0.040-inch (~1mm or 1016 microns) 😳 Thank you Sir Jony!

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Answer 3

mrdominic Author

Level 1

12 points

May 12, 2022 2:41 AM in response to ku4hx

That's a really poor analogy as a 1940 Ford Coupe' with V-8 flathead engine can easily run at peak performance with the correct level of maintenance. In fact, given improvements in engineering tooling and easier access to diagnostic tools, not to mention improved synthetic lubricants, your argument really falls flat.

As for buying a new keyboard, that's literally the point I made about planned/forced obsolescence… my keyboard still functions on OSX Catalina, and OSX Montery 12.2. (and Windows, and Linux).

So no, they don't last a long time, they last until Apple decide to force you to buy a new product. Whereas, because a 1940 Ford Coupé doesn't have an Engine Control Unit (or any other processing units) it's not possible to use software to subvert or override the hardware.

If you could provide a link to a wired, USB keyboard in the Apple store I would appreciate it greatly.

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Answer 4

Jmanna13

Community Specialist

May 7, 2022 8:37 AM in response to mrdominic

Hello mrdominic,

Thanks for reaching out to Apple Support Communities. We see you have some questions about your keyboard not working after updating, and we'd like to look into this with you. Please check the following link, and see if it helps: If your Mac doesn't respond to key presses

If you still need help, please Contact Apple Support.

Regards.

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Answer 5

ku4hx

Level 7

23,586 points

May 12, 2022 2:23 AM in response to mrdominic

You buy a new KB, they're cheap and they last long time.

Apple is continually improving their offerings. Do you not want Apple to offer new and better tech? All companies do it and it's not planned anything, it's the normal course of business. You know, like not expecting a 1940 Ford Coupe' with V-8 flathead engine to still be running at peak performance.

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Why does my Apple wired keyboard with numeric keypad (USB) no longer work, since I updated to OSX 12.3.1 (21E258)?

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